Campers Will Also Rock Out With Very Special Guest Stars

Jon Anderson (Yes) And Ace Frehley (KISS), Record At Capitol Studios And Play Live At The Whisky A Go Go On The Sunset Strip

Packages Designed To Suit Every Budget On Sale Now, Beginning At $3,499; Financing Is Available

With back-to-school season in full swing, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is giving music fans the opportunity to learn from some of the most influential artists in the industry.

Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY® award winning rock icon Meat Loaf will headline the November 2009 sessions.

One of the most distinctive vocalists in rock history, Meat Loaf has sold over 70 million albums in a career spanning four decades. Bat Out Of Hell – the first album in his legendary trilogy – has alone sold more than 40 million copies, stayed on the charts for over nine years and routinely sells upwards of 200,000 copies annually. Meat Loaf, who has been recording a new album with producer Rob Cavallo (Dave Matthews Band, Green Day), will spend time with the campers, sharing stories and tips from his remarkable career.

Jon Anderson, lead vocalist for Yes, and lead guitarist Ace Frehley, a founding member of KISS, are two of the very special guest stars slated to appear at the November sessions and many of the camp’s favorite counselors will be returning, including Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Mark Hudson (producer/songwriter, Aerosmith), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Kenny Aronoff (John Fogerty), Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne), Share Ross (Vixen) and Teddy Andreadis (Guns ‘n’ Roses). Ron Nevison, producer/engineer for The Who, The Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd, will be a guest.

“Although I can’t mention him by name, I’m ecstatic to announce that we’ve secured a legendary guitarist from one of rock’s most renowned bands to come and jam with the campers this November – and perform live with them at the Whisky A Go Go on closing night,” says David Fishof, Producer, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is offering several options designed to suit a wide range of budgets – beginning at $3,499 – and schedules – from a three-day camp (November 12-15) and a five-day camp (November 17-22) to the special “Rock Legend” package, which will encompass both camps plus the Rock ‘n’ Roll Golf Experience. Fans can also sign up for the golf tournament only and campers may bring a spouse with the reasonably priced “Groupie Package.” Financing is available. See below for a recap of new packages that make Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp more affordable than ever. The camp’s spring 2009 session with special guests Steven Tyler, Duff McKagan, Todd Rundgren and numerous other rock stars sold out, so campers are encouraged to sign up early.

“It was the rock ‘n’ roll family get-together, the elders of the tribe telling stories and dispensing wisdom, everyone working toward common goals. Truthfully, for this singer/songwriter, it was inspiring,” said an MSN Music editor/producer (who is also a musician) regarding the spring camp. You can check out the full feature at:

Fantasy Camp story on MSN

Since 1997, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp has been giving individuals – regardless of their musical ability – a once-a-lifetime opportunity to live like a rock star and jam with their idols.

From the opening night party at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills, intensive rehearsals with rock star counselors and jams, master classes and Q&A’s with rock legends to recording an original song at the historic Capitol Studios with legendary engineer/producer Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix) and rocking the Sunset Strip’s Whisky A Go Go in a sold-out, closing night performance – it’s a dream come true for any music fan. Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp has been covered by the “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure and was even featured in an episode of “The Simpsons.”

The first 2010 sessions are also on sale. Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp will return to Hollywood, CA over Presidents Day weekend (with a choice of February 10-15 or February 12-15) followed by a session at Abbey Road Studios in London, England May 25th – 31st. To register for any of the sessions or to learn more, visit http://www.rockcamp.com or call 1-888-762-BAND.

November 2009 Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp Packages
(financing is available)

The Rockstar Package – 3 days – November 12th-15th
$3,499 plus the cost of hotel

The Headliner Package – 5 days -November 17th-22nd
$7,999 plus the cost of hotel

The Rock Legend – 8 days – November 12th-22nd
The 5-day and the 3-day camper packages plus the Rock ‘n’ Roll Golf Experience.
$12,498 plus the cost of hotel

The Roadie Package – 1 day Rock ‘n’ Roll Golf Best Ball Tournament, November 17th
Add on a day of golfing to the 3- or 5-day Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp experiences, or just join us for the day of golf!
$1,250

The Groupie Package
Our 3-day campers can purchase the “Groupie Package” for $599.
Our 5-day campers can purchase this package for $799.

For the latest news and information, go to:

Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Official Website

Rave reviews are pouring in ahead of the January 13th, 2009 release of Crooked X, the self-titled full-length debut by the talented young rockers from Coweta, Oklahoma.

Crooked X on amazon.com

Absolutepunk.net exclaims: “the disc is flawless, with fomenting chords roasted to perfection and drilling beats braiding the tracks with heated-coils,” while Decibel magazines Deciblog raves, “We have to admit. Crooked X’s self-titled debut album … will most likely be better than Chinese Democracy. Axl Rose is gonna get schooled.”

The buzz is loud, earning Crooked X a January 15th slot on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” where they’ll perform the first single from Crooked X, “Rock N Roll Dream.”

For the last three years Crooked X have been banging out their nu blend of kick-ass rock inspired by greats such as Metallica, AC/DC, Pantera and Led Zeppelin. They toured with KISS in Europe and played and toured Stateside and hot young rock artists Black Tide and Black Stone Cherry as well as classic rock legends Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper.

The 14-year-old shredders have been filming an MTV reality special, “Start a Band, Rock the World”; and playing a slew of NBC AST Dew concert dates promoting the October 7th EP release of ‘Til We Bleed’, which includes “Rock N Roll Dream” and live versions of “Adrenaline” and “Nightmare,” which is featured in the successful Rock Band video game. Additionally, Crooked X will have a number of new songs featured for download in forth coming 3 packs from Rock Band.

Their 10-song debut for EMI, was helmed by hit producers Spencer Proffer (Tina Turner, Quiet Riot, WASP) and Michael Wagener (Ozzy, Skid Row, Poison). ‘Til We Bleed’, a digital-only EP, is complemented by their reality special, which will be aired across all MTV networks on January 13, 2009, to coincide with the release of their debut EMI/MPM album Crooked X.

The program shows the real-life Cinderella story of Crooked X’s beginnings as 14-year-olds in Coweta (population 7,000), highlighting how the four young boys started a band in a garage, scored music in the highly successful Rock Band, headlined the Fender/Rock Band Lounge at 2008’s Sundance Film Festival and opened for KISS in front of 35,000 screaming fans in Stockholm. These events led to Crooked X signing with EMI via McGhee Proffer Media (MPM) in August of 2008, all within the span of nine months.

The teenage quartet, comprised of Forrest French (vocals, guitar), Jesse Cooper (lead guitar, vocals), Josh McDowell (bass) and Boomer Simpson (drums), began playing in fifth grade, and cite influences including AC/DC, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Jimi Hendrix, Shinedown, Metallica, Audioslave and Pink Floyd.

They cut their teeth in the Tulsa area, playing Cain’s Ballroom and at Coweta Junior High talent shows. The ambitious and mega-talented rockers sent a tape to a CBS Early Morning Show nationally televised competition and landed in an impressive second place. That’s there where media strategists and managers Proffer and Doc McGhee became aware of the band and hooked Crooked X up with EMI Global Marketing and Capitol Records, forging a unique long-term partnership.

Crooked X will benefit from the teaming of multiple and diverse media and marketing partners including Fender, MTV, Red Bull, Fanscape, AEG’S Band Merch, Music Today and rock-based booking agency TAG (Nickelback, My Chemical Romance, 3 Doors Down), who are booking Crooked X worldwide. While the business side is locked down, Crooked X are fully focused on their music…and high school.

Drummer Boomer says: “Being in a rock band is a lot of work with home school, practice, traveling and playing gigs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything! We like to write lyrics that describe who we are and what we are going through.”

Singer Forrest French concurs, saying, “Some of our songs, like our first single, “Rock n Roll Dream,” have catchy choruses that everyone loves to sing along, then we have songs like “Gone” with lyrics that are deep and come from our souls and personal experiences. Music IS my life! Sometimes juggling family and friends and daily life with concerts and stuff can be tough. I know with family, friends and faith that anything is possible,” French concludes, “and I never put limits on myself or the band.”

Crooked X will appear at the Red Bull Drifting Championships at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, CA on November 16, 2008.

Notes: photo credit: Jeremy Charles

Crooked X Official Website
MySpace

Mink is a high energy, hard working rock band formed in 2006 with members hailing from the US and Australia. In a short time, they’ve already written more than 60 songs (30 of them in one intense three-week stretch), recorded their debut album in just four weeks and have played shows with KISS, Perry Farrell, Angels & Airwaves and festivals such as Lollapalooza and the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.

Their first single, “Talk to Me,” has been receiving airplay in the US and their songs have appeared on TV.

Mink is one of the hottest up and coming rock bands on the scene – and is one to watch!

Members are: Neal Carlson (vocals) from New York, Stella Mozgawa (drums), Nick Maybury (guitar) and Grant Fitzpatrick (bass) from Australia.

Download MP3: “Talk To Me” remix

Grant Fitzpatrick from Mink exclusive interview:

Jenny May: With Neal being from New York and Stella, Nick and Grant from Australia, where and how did you meet to eventually form the band?

Grant Fitz: Nick and I went to NY to meet Neal who was writing with a friend of ours. We wrote some songs and jammed and then did a show, which was a lot of fun. From there we went home to Australia with Neal coming shortly after. Nick introduced us to Stella who we fell in love with straight away. We wrote some more and toured and made an album with Spitfire Music who always believed in us from the beginning in New York. So the band was formed in New York and Sydney really. They are both special places for us.

Have you played many shows in Australia and do you plan to spend time there touring? Do you visit often?

We’ve toured the East coast 3 times with different bands and we loved it. Stella is there now actually and Nick and I visited last summer. I would love to spend some time touring there again, ideally in the summer. The whole country turns into one giant bbq/beach party/festival in the summer. You can’t help but have a good time.

How was it decided that you would call your band Mink?

We thought it was sleek and sexy and nobody had any better names so we all agreed on Neal’s idea.

How many shows did you play with KISS? How did that go?

We played 2 shows with KISS and had a blast. Gene and Paul were great to meet. The first record I bought was Dynasty and I was a big fan when I was a kid so it was weird also but they were great and their audience was even better.

Who are your rock heroes?

Between all of us there are some collective heroes and they would be Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Perry Farrell, Flea, Brian Eno, David Bowie, Captain Beefheart, Tom Waits, Frank Black, George Harrison, Neil Young, PJ Harvery, Nick Cave and Bjork.

All time favorite rock song(s)?

Jimi Hendrix ‘Voodoo Child’, The Beatles ‘Revolution’, Frank Zappa’s ‘Muffin Man’, Jane’s Addiction ‘Mountain Song’.

Your song “Pressure Pressure” was featured in ESPN’s 2006 Major League baseball playoffs coverage. Are you baseball fans? If so, which team(s) do you support? Do you have a favorite sport?

Neal likes baseball all sports basically. I’ve been to a Yankees game and may go to another one tomorrow actually but I prefer one day cricket.

Stella is a great drummer. Who are her musical influences?

Her influences as a drummer are probably Keith Moon, Steven Drozd, Levon Helm, John Bonham and a lot of other players like Billy Cobham and Jeff Pocarro and also bands like Yo la Tnago, Devo, & Neu! She is a huge Bjork fan and is totally into Timberland’s production techniques and music.

What club or bar would you recommend to a friend who likes to party, and is willing to travel anywhere?

The Chateau Marmont in La is always fun …

You have a lot of video footage on your YouTube profile, which is great for your fans. Do you have a favorite “Rockumentary”?

There are some really good ones but we were watchin ‘You’re Gonna Miss Me’ the Roky Erickson Story on our last tour. The Last Waltz is a favourite of mine and Stella’s.

Have you acted in movies? Do you have any interest in acting in films?

I’ve acted before but not in a movie. I’ve worked on films and love to edit and direct. I had the opportunity to direct our last 2 videos and loved the experience and would like to do more. Acting in films would be something I would be interested in for sure, why not. I actually think that Neal is a natural at it. We started making a horror movie when we started recording the album in 2006. Neal was the lead and was so good and naturally funny also. Stella is a huge fan of film also.

Your music has appeared on TV – has your music appeared in films?

Not yet but we just submitted some songs for a new Darren Aronofsky film yesterday. Fingers crossed.

What are your thoughts on the prospect of one day having your music in video games?

I grew up playing video games so I’m into it. Music complements everything we do or participate in. It’s everwhere, why not a video game. Guitar Hero or Rock Band would be insane to have a song in. Or even just some crazy racing car game would be cool.

Any particular band antics happen on stage during a night of playing?

Not always but sometimes someone will fart and you’re mid song and it hits you and you get a ckeeky look from the purpitrator from across the stage. Stella likes to get out from behind her drums and take the mic while Neal tries to keep in time on the drums. That usually cracks me up.

Who tends to be the instigator?

It can be anyone at any time.

Your album was recorded in just four weeks. Where did you record? What was your recording process – did you record live?

We recorded at a studio called Radio Star Studios in Weed California in the north near Oregon. It’s situated under a volcano called Mt Shasta. Sylvia Massey has built a complex of studios and housing so that at any time 3 or 4 bands could be working up there, recording and writing. We recorded as much live as possible but it was a very creative time and ideas kept flowing so there was over dubbing happening all the time also. The main studio is an old theatre with some great vintage console’s and outboard gear. It’s very laid back and friendly and we had a lot of fun there. We shared our time there with COG and had a lot of fun hanging with those lads.

You were recently in Japan for the Fuji Rock Festival. How did it go? Were you able to watch other acts’ sets?

Fuji is the best festival I’ve seen. We had a blast and loved being in Japan. We have some sort of affinity with the place. We always wanted to go there as a band. So much fun was had although it was a very quick visit. I saw Grand Master Flash, Mongol 800, Asian Dub foundation and the Zutons. All were great and our set was a lot of fun after having a short break from touring. See ya’ll back out there soon!

Thank you!

Thanks Jenny.

Grant Fitz.

For music, tour dates and more information, go to:

MySpace
Mink UK
Mink Official Website

The music is as sharp as a knife, kept simple with only three band members, but it does not seem that any one of them ever takes a break. The heart thumping rhythm is thrashed over by a squealing distorted guitar sound that shows off the talents of a rocker that has studied his classic metal riffs. Unlike most metal bands today, ZO2 is not overtly dark. They bring back the light hearted hedonism that was ever so popular in the eighties, and they do it in style.

ZO2 is a whirlwind on stage. I have seen several concerts where I am impressed by the activity of the band, but ZO2 makes me suspicious of some sort of device that is feeding intravenous cocaine directly into the band members. The action never stops as they wail and scream each note be it guitar or vocal, and a surviving drum kit post-show, is a real testament to the maker of that kit. Yet despite all of the visual and auditory chaos the band keeps a tight sound that would impress any music aficionado. A ticket to ZO2 is less like a concert, and more like an experience – a really good, hardcore, mind blowing experience.

The albums by ZO2 suffer from what any amazing live bands experience. The sound just does not translate as well in the studio. This is not to say that Tuesdays and Thursdays and Ain’t It Beautiful will not leave you unsatisfied. Both albums offer up a delicious taste of classic metal worship. The vocals are piercing and demand attention, the guitar riffs are chunky when they need to be and sharp as a razor when called for, and the rhythm is solid and loud. They are definitely the perfect albums for a long drive, and much more compact then fitting the live concert in your trunk. Yet, some songs will make you long for that live experience and that will sustain the band for years to come.

ZO2 has redefined the metal scene by taking back a few decades. The music is raw yet polished, heartfelt and hedonistic, and will leave you drooling for more. Tight leather pants, ripped t-shirts, and long hair has never been this cool—well, since the eighties at least. If you are a teenager, grab a copy of one of their albums, you are going to love it, although you may also find yourself hiding it from your eighties loving parents. I would recommend either CD, but I would trade it for a live ZO2 show any day.

For music samples, merchandise and more, go to:

ZO2 Official Website

More reviews by Taylor Kuykendall can be found at www.taykuy.com

It’s fun playing the YouTube video game with Dave because we’re from different countries and usually it’s easy to introduce new music to each other. Our musical backgrounds are quite different as well, which can make things even more interesting.

I continue to be surprised though, when he hasn’t heard a certain song that I take for granted. Such as the other night when I played “Beth” by Kiss. Luckily it was easy to find the video on YouTube and then there he was. My favorite Kiss member, the Cat – Peter Criss singing his heart out about playing with the boys all night. I love that song.

Watch a live video of Peter Criss from Kiss singing “Beth”

I’m sure I enjoyed watching the “Beth” video more than Dave did, but it’s still fun introducing new music to him. I love to see the videos that he comes up with, too. As a matter of fact, after watching Kiss his answer back to me was to play the video for “Bad Boy” by The Adicts.

Yes – we’re easily amused.

Kiss Online
Peter Criss Official Website

By: Jenny May

The sound of “Gettin’ Enough” is somewhat reminiscent of The Undertones, “Teenage Kicks” which seems fitting considering Lil’ Chris is a teenager himself at 16. It was funny watching Rock School and seeing how little regard the kids had for Gene Simmons, known for his wild antics in the band Kiss. It seems strange to be living in a world where there are people out there who haven’t a clue who Kiss is and which songs they’re responsible for. Even the people who claim to be Kiss fans seem to have let my favorite Kiss song, “Beth” slip by them.

Either way, if you haven’t had a chance to see Gene Simmons Rock School you can find video clips and information from past episodes on Channel 4’s Rock School website.

Watch the video for Lil’ Chris’ “Gettin’ Enough”.

Be sure to check out Lil’ Chris’ cool Website!

By: Jenny May